Benghazi security chief assassinated

The security chief in the east Libyan city of Benghazi was assassinated late
Tuesday, just weeks after he took over the position in the wake of an attack
on the US consulate that claimed the lives of four Americans.

An armed man is surrounded by flames at the US consulate compound in Benghazi, Libya, during the attack on September 11, 2012. Photo: AFP/GettyImages

4:06AM GMT 21 Nov 2012

Fraj al-Dersi was hit by three bullets when unknown gunmen opened fire from a car in front of his home. He died shortly after being taken to Benghazi medical centre, the official said, asking not to be named.

Mr Dersi was appointed shortly after an attack on the US consulate September 11 which cost the lives of US ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans.

He had occupied leading posts under the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, including anti-drugs chief, before joining the revolt against the former dictator when it started in February 2011.

Several recent assassinations in eastern Libya, mostly of police or army officers who served under Gaddafi, have been attributed to radical Islamists.